Is the AV-8B Advanced Harrier Aircraft Ready for Full-Scale Development?
PSAD-79-22: Published: Jan 30, 1979. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 1979.
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In 1979, the Secretary of Defense is planning to authorize full-scale development of the AV-8B Harrier aircraft. A prototype effort was started in 1976 to demonstrate that it will be possible to double the range and payload capability of the aircraft without developing a new engine. Testing has been successful and ahead of schedule. A Marine Corps analysis indicates that the vertical take-off Harrier is a more cost-effective system than the F/A-18 Hornet, a conventional take-off plane originally designated to replace certain Marine and Navy aircraft. If this is proven, the Harrier program will be substituted for the Hornet.
The results of the analysis show that neither program is substantially superior to the other. Additional testing may be necessary if the present evidence is not sufficient. Until a definite need is shown for developing the Harrier, it is GAO's opinion that the aircraft should not be developed further.
Dec 2, 2020
![defense icon, source: [West Covina, California] Progressive Management, 2008](https://www.gao.gov/images/rip/defense.jpg "defense icon, source: [West Covina, California] Progressive Management, 2008")
Navy and Marine Corps:
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GAO Audits Involving DOD:
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Defense Acquisitions:
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Defense Intelligence:
Comprehensive Plan Needed to Improve Stakeholder Engagement in the Development of New Military Intelligence SystemGAO-21-57: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020. -
Defense Production Act:
Opportunities Exist to Increase Transparency and Identify Future Actions to Mitigate Medical Supply Chain Issues:GAO-21-108: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020. -
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Military Personnel:
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Nov 5, 2020
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Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers:
Observations on the Navy's Hybrid Electric Drive ProgramGAO-21-79R: Published: Nov 5, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 5, 2020. -
Defense Reform:
DOD Has Made Progress, but Needs to Further Refine and Formalize Its Reform EffortsGAO-21-74: Published: Nov 5, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 5, 2020.
Oct 29, 2020
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Navy Maintenance:
Navy Report Did Not Fully Address Causes of Delays or Results-Oriented ElementsGAO-21-66: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 2020.
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